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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZORIENTAL BROTHERS INTERNATIONAL BANDHighlife band from Eastern Nigeria, split into three. The original Orientals, led by Opara brothers Dan Satch, Warrior and Godwin Kabaka, was formed early '70s, toured and released outstanding dance tracks on over 20 albums incl. Orientals Special '74, Nwa Ada Di Nma '75, Murtala Mohammed '77, Best Of The Orientals '82: they were among the most popular highlife bands of the '70s, but always beset by leadership problems; the first to split was guitarist Godwin Kabaka Opara, who formed Kabaka International Guitar Band '77, making a dozen albums of his own blend of highlife, called Ikpokrikpo, still with typically Ibo lyrics reflecting lessons to be learned from traditional wisdom and culture. Kabaka's best sellers incl. Onye Mere Ihe Akaya '78, Egbula Nwa Onya and Nwanne Di Namba '82. Then vocalist Warrior left '80 to form Dr Sir Warrior and the (Original) Oriental Brothers, like Godwin before him a solo success, with a dozen albums in five years, incl. Onye Oma Nmanu '80, Onye Obula '81, Ugo Chinyere '83. Despite confusion of names, the original Orientals under Dan Satch Opara carried on, e.g. with albums Onye Ije '82, Onye Nwe Ala '83, and there seemed to be enough dance fans for all three bands. |